FC Pride takes on Slammers FC Koge in the opening game from the playoffs. It’s a daunting matchup against one of the best teams from California. Koge has a midfield that looks like it might include a couple of players on the way to the professional game.

FC Pride has shown they have the approach to frustrated an opponent who might still hold more of the possession – check out the game film from the recent clash against San Diego Surf. McFarland was key in that game. She does an excellent job protecting the back four from her spot in the midfield. She’s very good at checking her shoulders and assessing where to be to cut out those entry passes. She’s sharp on the ball and quick to make decisions. She’s an excellent defensive midfielder who should shine in this game.

Midfielder. Girls Academy Mid-America Talent ID. 

McFarland is a defensive midfielder on the CUP 2010 GA Gold. She was part of the Mid-America Talent ID event last season – and has been even better this season. McFarland was terrific during the GA event in December in Southern California. She covered a ton of ground for her side and made a number of game-deciding plays all over the field. She was a killer in the tackle – a joy to watch her destroy the passing sequence of the opposition with a crunching challenge at just the right moment. There’s still some times when she takes an extra touch to beat one more player. If McFarland can speed up her processing on the ball, she’s going to be an unstoppable talent at the No. 6 position. An underrated aspect of her game is her delivery on set pieces, which is a key asset to the CUP success.